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Foster Placement Types

Share Homes receives foster children from various different agencies. Share Homes
has 6 different types of foster placements:

Respite – Respite foster homes for Share Homes need to be certified and
meet all of the foster care and state requirements. Respite care is usually done
on a short-term basis and is sometimes used by foster parents who need temporary
help in caring for their foster children. Respite care can include
transportation or other special needs.

Reunification – The reunification child has different placement needs than
the other foster placements. Reunification sets up a plan for the birth parents
to “get their act together”. This plan could include: counseling, drug
rehabilitation, drug testing, housing concerns, living arrangement concerns,
etc. The goal for these children is to reunify or to be returned to their birth
family members. (This type of placement often has weekly visits with the birth
family.)

Emergency Placement - These foster placements occur with very little notice.
Placements usually occur within 24 hours. Share Homes works diligently to get
the children out of shelters and receiving homes and into foster homes. These
children usually come with very few clothes and personal belongings. Foster
parents are responsible for whatever emergency items might be needed, such as
necessary clothing and hygiene items.

Long Term - Long term foster placements usually are older children in the
foster care system. These children may have had numerous foster placements or
have graduated from a higher level of care in the foster care system.

Adoption - All adoptive placements start in the foster care system. Share
Homes facilitates foster/adoptive placements in foster homes. While the
prospective adoptive child is in the foster home, it is an opportunity for the
child to receive treatment (medically or psychologically) before being
considered for adoption. The adoptive process requires a higher level of
clearance in order to be considered for adoption. Foster children who reside in
foster homes that are not approved for adoption may be moved to homes that are
already adoption approved. Share Homes urges the foster parent to be certified
for both adoption and foster care.

Concurrent Planning - These placements are foster children who have two
plans (from the court) running at the same time, thus the term concurrent
planning. Concurrent planning homes are foster homes that are able to reunify
children if the parents fulfill the reunification plan. If the parents don’t
meet the plan, then the foster parents could be approved for adoption. This
program cuts down on foster placement moves and it has more permanency for the
foster children.

First attend a 2 hour orientation meeting and the 8 hour pre-certification
training. A representative from our agency will do a pre-application interview,
home safety check and a home study. There is paperwork to fill out, and all adults
in the home must receive criminal and child abuse clearances prior to
certification.

2) How long does it take to be certified as a foster parent?

It typically takes about 3 months to become a certified foster parent. However,
it depends on how long it takes to receive the criminal clearances and how
quickly the applicant submits the required paperwork, attends trainings and
appointments.

3) What are the requirements to becoming a foster parent?

Foster parents must:

Be at least 18 years old

Live within two hours of the agency

Pass CPR, First Aid, Health Screening and a TB test

Have a DMV printout

Have DOJ, CAIC and FBI clearances

4) Can I still work if I am a foster parent?

Yes, as long as the agency approves your respite/childcare.

5) Do the children have medical insurance?

Medical, dental and counseling services are provided through the Medi-Cal
Program.

6) Can I be a single parent?

Yes, as an agency, we are looking for the most qualified people who are willing
to open their heart and their home to foster children, whether they are single,
married or in a stable relationship.

7) Is my home big enough to take foster children?

The capacity rules are as follows: No more than two children of the same sex
five years and older shall sleep in a bedroom which is a minimum of 10 X 10,
including a dresser and closet. Children of the opposite sex may share a bedroom
only if under age five. An infant under the age of 2 may share a room with an
adult.

8) How long will it take for a child to be placed in my home?

Share Homes Agency will strive to make appropriate matches between foster
parents and foster children. Some foster parents are very particular regarding
the age and sex of the child. Others might be more likely to receive children
sooner because of fewer restrictions as to age and sex.

9) Will I have a choice in the age and sex of the children I receive?

Yes, the final decision always remains with the foster / adoptive parent. It is
important that you communicate your request in order to aid us in making a
successful match with your family.

10) Do I need to attend special trainings to become a foster parent?

Yes, foster applicants must attend the agency orientation and all
pre-certification trainings which usually occur on the weekend. Current First
Aid and CPR must be maintained at all times. Free monthly trainings are also
provided in order to maintain your certification.

11) Is there a foster care reimbursement?

Yes, rasing kids are time consuming and basic needs can get costly.
Share Homes provides reimbursement rates according to the age of the
foster child.